Program of Studies 2020-2021
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Wayland High School Wayland, Massachusetts Program of Studies 2020-2021 1 MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL Dear students and parents, Choosing secondary school courses is a major decision for all students, one best achieved as a collaborative effort among students, parents/guardians, counselors, and teachers. In this publication you will find important information about graduation requirements, guidance services, and specific course descriptions. If you do not find the information you need, please consult with a counselor. Please pay attention to the following notes concerning the 2020-2021 edition of the Program of Studies: Some of the courses listed in this Program of Studies may not run next year. This happens for two reasons: First, because we compile this document prior to the finalization of the school budget, our staffing sometimes changes. Second, some courses are cancelled or combined because there is not enough student interest. However, in all instances students will be able to take the courses that are required for graduation. We cannot always schedule students into every course they want. The master schedule is developed to maximize each student's opportunity to take at least one course (at the appropriate level) in English, social studies, mathematics, science, classics/modern language and fine arts/business. However, when students try to take courses out of the typical sequence or are trying to take six majors (such as doubling up in foreign language, science, etc.), we sometimes cannot accommodate their wishes. Seek academic balance. When it comes to requesting courses, we urge parents and students to carefully consider the student’s overall life balance and what will realistically—not theoretically—fit in his or her schedule. Students should talk with teachers and their guidance counselors to get an accurate sense of the rigor and demand of each course, and should keep in mind their extracurricular activities when selecting courses. When it comes to choosing among our many wonderful electives, please be thoughtful and selective in these requests rather than seeking an overabundance of courses; this only makes building the master schedule more difficult. Course registration happens through eSchool Home Access Center (HAC) over the course of ten days beginning in the middle of March. In addition to giving parents access to their students’ grades, discipline, and attendance data, HAC also allows parents to participate in the course registration process. To sign up for an HAC account, please see the WHS homepage. I hope you will make the most of your high school years by taking advantage of the great courses offered in this Program of Studies. Sincerely, 2 CONTENTS Message from the Principal 2 Wayland High School Mission and Expectations Statement 4 General Information 5 Guidance Services 5 Special Education and the Learning Resource Team 7 Academic Center 7 Library/Media Services 8 Health Services 8 Physical Exams 8 Required and Recommended Graduation Requirements 9 Graduation Requirements 9 Course Requirements for College Admission 9 Promotion Requirements 10 Recommended Minimum Program by Grade 10 Community Service Requirement 11 Course Selection Process 12 Course Levels 12 Criteria for enrollment in honors and AP courses 13 Override Procedure 13 Guidelines for Course Changes 14 Grade Point Average: GPA 15 Honor Roll 16 Course Descriptions 17 Science 17 Social Studies 23 English 30 World Languages and Classical Studies 39 Mathematics 57 Fine Arts 63 Health and Physical Education 71 Media 72 Career Development and Independent Study 73 Business 76 Computer Science 77 Chapter 622 of the General Laws 80 Summary of Course Listings 81 3 Wayland High School Mission and Expectations Statement Personal and civic responsibility, love of learning, and empathy for others: these are qualities that Wayland High School seeks to instill in its students. At its core, our mission is to provide a rigorous and stimulating academic environment that promotes the acquisition of knowledge and skills. Yet we deem it equally important to nurture self- confident, collaborative, and conscientious individuals. We strive to create a climate where risk- taking is safeguarded, open expression is encouraged, and free association is protected. Our goal is to advance our students’ growth into principled, informed, and capable citizens who will help guide a democracy that follows humanitarian principles in the global forum, and shape a just society where individuals may reach their full potential. EXPECTATIONS FOR STUDENT LEARNING Academic Expectations Wayland High School students will: Read actively and critically Communicate effectively in both written and oral forms Understand and interpret the cultural and historical contexts of the world Use scientific and mathematical approaches to interpret information and solve problems Seek and use information effectively, creatively and ethically to construct knowledge Social Expectations Wayland High School students will: Treat teachers, staff, other students, and themselves with respect Exhibit honesty and integrity in all aspects of school life (curricular, extracurricular, and social) Take responsibility for themselves within Wayland High School and the greater community Demonstrate empathy with people of different abilities, backgrounds, and cultures and appreciate the commonality and inter-dependence of all communities Show an ability to work collaboratively Appreciate the importance of a sound mind and body Civic Expectations Wayland High School students will: Serve their community and society actively through volunteerism Develop an awareness of local, national, and global issues Know their rights and responsibilities 4 Value and respect the environment Engage in the democratic process in school and in society GENERAL INFORMATION Wayland High School is organized on a single session day that begins at 8:35 a.m. and ends at 3:10 p.m. (2:25 on Wednesday). We operate on an eight-day, eight-period cycle with six of the eight periods meeting each day (we call these “blocks”). There is an extensive co-curricular and extracurricular program, which includes a variety of clubs, fine arts groups, service organizations and athletic teams. Students are encouraged to become involved in these activities to enhance and to enrich their educational experience at Wayland High School. Homework and Extra Help Students should expect homework in addition to the work they do in classroom time. Our rotating block schedule generally affords students time during the school day to begin homework and to obtain tutoring assistance from teachers. Help sessions may also be scheduled before or after school with teachers or in the Academic Center (see below). Report cards are processed four times annually and are released to eSchoolPlus Home Access Center for student and parent review. They are no longer mailed home, but they may be printed at home. Academic warnings are mailed or emailed at the middle of each term to students who are experiencing academic difficulty. Reports may be sent at other times if a teacher decides that one is warranted. Parents/guardians should contact the teacher directly with specific questions or to request a meeting. Parents may also call the student's guidance counselor with more general questions. Guidance Services The guidance services at Wayland High School are designed to meet the educational, social, and emotional needs of students at each grade level. Upon entering the ninth grade, students are assigned a guidance counselor who works with them throughout the four years at Wayland High School. Our programs are designed to address the common concerns around academic planning and course selection, orientation and transition to the high school, standardized testing, academic, and personal adjustment issues, and the future planning process. At the same time, the guidance program provides an individualized focus for every student. Guidance counselors receive copies of all progress reports, and report cards. They are in contact with teachers, special needs staff, administrators, and parents and are, therefore, in a position to have a comprehensive understanding of each student in their caseload. The guidance counselors are not merely academic advisors; they are trained counseling professionals with experience in assisting students as they face and explore concerns that are important to their lives. 5 The guidance counselors are available for meetings at the request of a student, parent, or teacher and are involved in helping to resolve academic and personal issues with their students. The formal guidance program begins in the spring before students enter the high school, when guidance counselors meet at the middle school with 8th graders in their math classes. The administration also conducts an evening information session for parents of incoming ninth grade students. Step Over Day in June, and Connections Day in August, are also programs to help with the 8th to 9th grade transition. Planned guidance activities continue each year as follows: Grade 9 ● Ninth grade seminar program ● Progress report, report card reviews, course selection support ● Individual parent/student conferences as needed ● Individual meetings as needed throughout the year Grade 10 ● Sophomore seminar program ● Progress report and report card reviews ● Course selection guidance and support ● Individual parent/student conferences as needed ● Individual meetings as needed throughout the year ● Future planning programs